Latest FIFA Rankings of AFC teams as of July 2025; India drop down, Australia move up

Japan still stand as the highest-ranked AFC team.

The recent international window has seen a lot of Asian clubs plying their trade in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The race to secure a ticket to the United States has heated up, as two direct spots from the AFC are still at stake at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Fourth round.

Some Asian teams have also been seen fighting tooth and nail to grab that coveted ticket to Saudi Arabia to compete in the AFC Asian Cup 2027. With just six berths remaining, the FIFA rankings become utterly crucial for the AFC Asian Cup draws as well as the fourth round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

In this feature article, we shall take a close look at the latest developments in the FIFA rankings of AFC teams.

Also Read: Which teams have qualified for AFC Asian Cup 2027 so far?

Japan- FIFA Ranking 17

Japan has recently qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after becoming the table toppers of Group C in the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

They played two games in this international window, where they won 6-0 against Indonesia and lost a game against Australia too. This result saw them drop from the 15th to the 17th. Yet, they remain the highest-ranked team in Asia.

Islamic Republic of Iran- FIFA Ranking 20

Iran also made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is slated to take place in the USA. They emerged as the table toppers of Group A and secured their place among the best in the world.

They also slipped from the 18th rank to the 20th after succumbing to a narrow defeat against reigning Asian champions Qatar. Their last game ended in a 3-0 win over North Korea.

🇮🇷🤩 A fourth consecutive #FIFAWorldCup for IR Iran! #WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/3eeJY2c1lt

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 25, 2025

Australia- FIFA Ranking 24

With 19 points under their belt, Australia qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after emerging as the runners-up of Group C below Japan.

They saw a rise in two positions after jumping to the 24th spot. They won both their games in this international window after defeating table-toppers Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Qatar – FIFA Ranking 53

The hosts of the previous FIFA World Cup, Qatar’s qualification hopes are still alive after they finished among the top four in Group A.

They saw a jump in two ranks. Despite suffering a 3-0 defeat to Uzbekistan, they got the better of Iran to finish in the fourth spot. Qatar, the reigning Asian champions, have, however, seen a major dip in their ranking as they were among the top 35 in the world a year ago.

Uzbekistan – FIFA Ranking 55

Uzbekistan’s rise in Asian football has been nothing less than extradordinary. They shocked the footballing world after they qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

They emerged as the runners up of Group A after securing 21 points in 10 games, finsihing just behind table toppers Iran. Their meteoric rise has been inspiring and a story worth remembering for ages.

Saudi Arabia – FIFA Ranking 59

Saudi Arabia also saw a major dip in their latest ranking after failing to perform well in the CONCACAF Gold Cup as debutants. The defeats against Australia, USA and Mexico saw them slipping down to the 59th rank.

Jordan – FIFA Ranking 64

Jordan has a made a big statement announcing their rise in world football. Their fairy tale rise just doesnt seem to stop as the reigning Asian Cup finalists have now qualified for the FIFA World Cup too. However, their defeats against Iraq in their most recent game saw them slipping a rank further to 64.

Oman – FIFA Ranking 79

Oman’s ranking also declined after they had a mixed results in this international window. They won big against Niger and Lebanon but also suffered a thrashing from Jordan in their recent game.

Bahrain – FIFA Ranking 89

Bahrain’s FIFA World Cup hopes got demolished after finshing at the bottom of Group C. They suffered two defeats against China and Saudi Arabia in this international window, that further pushed them down.

Syria – FIFA Ranking 91

Syria’s win over Afghanistan in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers saw them climb a spot ahead to occupy the 91st position in the latest FIFA ranking.

🇸🇾 What a win for Syria! 👏🦅 The Qasioun Eagles produce the shock of the #FIFArabCup so far, leaving everything to play for in Group B 😲 pic.twitter.com/MbhJFa6kFU

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 3, 2021

Palestine – FIFA Ranking 99

After securing a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Palestine faced a shock after being out of contentions for the FIFA World Cup. Their win against Afghanistan saw them climb a spot higher to secure a below 100 rank.

Thailand- FIFA Ranking 102

Despite a 2-0 win over India, Thailand suffered a defeat against Turkmenistan that saw them descend below in the latest FIFA rankings.

Kyrgyz Republic – FIFA Ranking 104

They have already qualified for the AFC Asian Cup. However, their World Cup hopes are over. In this international window, they drew both their games against DPR Korea and UAE, which saw them descend further below.

🇰🇬 Kyrgyz Republic have qualified to the #AsianCup2019 round of 16 on their continental debut. Congratulations, @_FFKR! 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/nfrnNKGyAb

— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) January 16, 2019

Tajikistan – FIFA Ranking 106

Tajikistan also saw a major dip in their rankings. They won against Cambodia and settled for a draw against Philippines in their recent encounter.

Vietnam – FIFA Ranking 113

Vietnam succumbed to a shocking 4-0 defeat against a relatively lower ranked team like Malaysia, that pushed them further below in the rankings.

Indonesia – FIFA Ranking 118

Despite that 6-0 defeat to Japan, Indonesia did a pretty good job of staying in contention for the FIFA World Cup race after finishing among the top four teams. Their win against China was enough to see them climb five spots higher.

People’s Republic of Korea – FIFA Ranking 119

After a draw against Kyrgyz Republic and a humiliating defeat against Iran, North Korea dipped below in the latest FIFA rankings. However, they have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Malaysia – FIFA Ranking 125

Climbing six positions higher, Malaysia shocked the Asian footballing world after defeating Vietnam 4-0 in the friendly fixture.

India – FIFA Ranking 133

Indian Football Team’s downfall saga continues after the Blue Tigers succumbed to defeats against Thailand in the friendlies and Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, keeping them at a precarious position to secure a spot in Asia’s premier competition.

Also Read: Indian football team drop down to 133rd position in latest FIFA World Rankings

Kuwait – FIFA Ranking 138

Despite making it to the FIFA World Cup third round, Kuwait failed to capitalise on their momentum. They suffered defeats against Palestine and South Korea and saw them descending further below.\

Hong Kong – FIFA Ranking 147

Hong Kong have shockingly went unbeaten in this international window after playing a goalless draw against Nepal and edging past India in the Group C of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

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